Compared are the US Version and the Original Version (both available on the US DVD by Classic Media)

- 4 differences
- Length difference: 340.3 sec (= 5:40 min)

The rather odd flick Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975) is the final return of Ishirô Honda, director o the original from 1954, and also the last appearance of the iconic creature for almost 10 years. For the US, a slightly alternate version had been edited back in the day. But since the US DVD, which has been available for many years now, contains both versions, everything is fine. Besides, for most parts of the US Version, the superior Japanese source has been used.

On the one hand, the US Version contains an additional prolog that shows almost 6 minutes of footage from previous Godzilla flicks - most of it is from the prequel Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla. Quite entertaining actually with te quirky narration and an action-packed beginning for Western audiences. In addition to that, there are the "usual" US cuts: The nudity scene is cut of course. As part of an experiment, one gets to see cyborg breasts in the middle of the movie. At least, that is the case in the Original Version.

Time index refers to
US Theatrical Version in NTSC / Original Version in NTSC

Additional Footage US Version 00:00-06:21 / 00:00-00:24

The US Version starts with a text box and a Toho logo, followed by older footage of Godzilla. A narrator explains that it was still undetermined what Godzilla actually was. According to a theory, Godzilla was a prehistorical creature awakened by nukes. Attempts to destroy Godzilla with military weapons had failed. He had blocked those attacks easily and destroyed entire cities out of anger. Aliens had taken advantage of the situation resp. had come up with the plan to take over the world. Destruction scenes from the prequel are being shown here. Also, Godzilla had allied with the earthlings, probably some kind of protective instinct, in order to protect the earth from the vicious alien attacks. At the end of the day, the aliens had been defeated. Footage of Gdzilla jumping is being shown here.

The Original Version only contains a more current Toho logo and some text in Japanese.

US Version 356.6 sec (= 5:57 min) longer

Subsequently, the credits differ. In addition to that, only the US Version contains further narration regarding the clash of Godzilla and Mechagodzilla.

On an unrelated note, the US DVD zooms in on the action here (probably a full screen source with black bars on top and buttom in order to make it look like widescreen). Luckily, the US DVD contains the original aspect ratio after the rather long opening sequence.

US Version 0.9 sec longer

US Version

Original Version

56:27 / 50:31-50:41

Frontal shot of Cyborg Katsura being treated - the camera zooms out on her a bit.

10.3 sec

56:36 / 50:50-50:57

A further missing frontal shot of the close-up of the stomach wires.

7 sec

75:13 / 69:34-69:35

Jump cut at the end of the shot (crawling underneath the car).

1.3 sec

Last but not least, the US DVD contains some English text at the very end.